⭐Chapter 6: The Warmth of Relationships, The Cold of Enemies
Scene One – SP Priya's Office, Morning
Sunlight spilled through the blinds, painting lines across SP Priya Rajputana's desk. Files lay open, documents neatly stacked—but her eyes were sharp, scanning every detail with the precision of a hawk.
Picking up the intercom, her voice cut through the quiet hum of the office.
Priya:
"Call Officer Karishma Singh to my office. Now."
Within moments, Karishma entered, crisp salute, her gaze steady.
Priya:
"When will Sunidhi Sharma's post-mortem report be ready?"
Karishma:
"Sir… it'll take some time. DNA analysis as well."
Priya exhaled, a faint crease appearing between her brows.
Priya:
"Fine. Let's go home first. I owe my mother an apology for yesterday. You'll come too—freshen up, and then we meet Sunidhi's family."
Karishma:
"Yes, sir."
Scene Two – Priya's Home
The familiar warmth of home embraced them. Karishma's mother sat waiting, a gentle smile on her face.
Priya (bowing slightly):
"Auntie… I'm sorry for sending you away yesterday without warning."
Karishma's Mother (softly):
"Dear, what comes from the heart never needs apology. Now I feel I have not one, but two daughters."
Priya's lips curved into a faint smile. Sia and Ria entered, giggling quietly.
Sia:
"Di, introduce Karishma-di to Kiya."
Priya:
"Kiya? Where is she?"
Ria:
"In her room… still asleep."
Scene Three – Kiya's Room
Priya found Kiya sitting on the bed, trembling slightly.
Priya:
"What's wrong, my little one?"
Kiya (shivering):
"Di… I'm scared."
Priya knelt down, soft yet firm.
Priya:
"Scared? You? Have you forgotten who you are? We are Rajputanas. We raise our heads high, face the sword… and never cower before enemies."
A spark lit up in Kiya's eyes.
Kiya:
"Yes, Di! Together we'll teach them all a lesson. I'll train my friends—karate, sword fighting, everything. The Power of Girl Union will rise, so every girl can defend herself!"
Priya's chest swelled with pride.
Priya:
"Exactly. Now get ready. Breakfast won't wait for heroes who linger in bed."
Scene Four – Dining Area
The breakfast table brimmed with laughter. Karishma's mother gently held Priya's hand.
Karishma's Mother:
"Piyu, you're not just Karishma's boss—you're my second daughter now."
Sia and Ria (teasing):
"And us?"
Karishma's Mother (laughing):
"You're all my daughters!"
The doorbell rang abruptly. A girl came running, hugging Priya tightly.
Priya (surprised):
"Sahi! You?"
Sahi (smiling):
"If I hadn't come, Di would have had to come herself."
Sia (astonished):
"Priya-di is hugging her best friend?"
Kiya (jealous but cute):
"Statue! Priya-di is only mine."
Priya (laughing softly):
"Alright… I'm everyone's Di—but first, my little one."
Scene Five – On the Way to the Police Station
The SUV moved swiftly through the city streets. Priya and Karishma sat side by side, tension and focus hanging in the air.
Priya:
"It's time to step into the field."
Karishma (saluting):
"Yes, sir."
Inside the station, officers straightened at their entrance. A constable handed a report to Priya.
Priya (reading, calm but commanding):
"Severe injuries… brutally murdered… preceded by sexual assault."
Karishma's eyes darkened with anger. Silence settled across the room.
Karishma (sharply):
"The weapon used… it's not common here. Usually seen in villages."
Priya:
"This case is far from simple."
She looked at Karishma, voice firm.
Priya:
"DNA report?"
Constable:
"Will take time, sir."
Priya:
"CCTV?"
Officer:
"Nothing. Cameras were off… or footage missing."
Priya paused, then commanded,
"Send the body for last rites. Afterwards, we meet the family."
Scene Six – Last Rites
Sunidhi's body lay draped in the tricolor, a soft hymn playing. Officers fired ceremonial shots. Priya and Karishma observed silently—calm outwardly, storming within.
Scene Seven – Sunidhi's Home, Night
The house was heavy with grief. Sunidhi's photo on the wall seemed to stare back at them. Her mother and younger sister sat across, eyes red.
Priya (softly, empathetic):
"We need to know everything. Was she afraid of anyone? Any unusual encounters?"
Her mother was silent. The sister squeezed her mother's hand, trembling.
Mother:
"She was hiding something. Never spoke of it. Always said—'Everything is fine, Mom.' But her eyes… they told another story."
Karishma glanced at Priya.
Karishma:
"There's more here… something that hasn't come to light."
Priya's gaze hardened.
Priya (low, determined):
"And we will bring it to the surface."
The camera lingered on Sunidhi's photograph as Priya's voiceover echoed:
"Sometimes, the killer's shadow is closest… but always the last to be seen."
The cyber team prepared to unlock Sunidhi's laptop. The younger sister hesitated, but finally handed it over.
Priya:
"Does anyone know the password?"
Silence. The sisters exchanged glances, fear and grief evident.
Karishma (commanding):
"Cyber team—crack it. Extract all data."
The tension in the room was palpable. Priya's eyes reflected the storm brewing ahead.